Written by Meaghan Burkett

Thriving communities and organisations need access to capital—whether it’s money to fund projects, land to build on, or infrastructure to support local businesses. But too often, traditional finance is inflexible, costly, or simply unavailable to those who need it most. 

What if the capital you need… is already in your community—waiting to be activated? Here are three key strategies to kickstart your thinking!

1. Identify and mobilise existing financial resources and assets
   Many sources of capital already exist within communities—household savings, superannuation, business profits, retained earnings, income-generating assets, local donors and endowments, local investors, mutuals and credit unions and council reserves. Find out who is holding excess capital and invite them to invest or distribute some of that capital locally. 
2. Build readiness to receive local capital
   Local capital is available, but securing it requires preparation. Strengthening your ideas, financial know-how, plans and governance structures helps build confidence for both you and the potential local funders, making it easier to establish a successful arrangement. Remember, local funders are often also beneficiaries of your initiative—whether through stronger local economies, thriving communities, or shared social and environmental outcomes. Be clear about the broader benefits beyond just the financial arrangement.
3. Create Inclusive Connections Between Local Capital and Community Needs
   Bringing together those who have capital with those who need it is essential. This can be achieved through peer-to-peer lending, local investment groups, place-based funds, community financial institutions, local bonds, community endowments, and foundations. These structures create stronger, more direct pathways between local capital and community priorities.

Grants, government funding, and external finance all play a role in supporting communities. But when communities access place based capital, they can drive resilience, self-sufficiency, and economic prosperity on their own terms.

What opportunities exist in your community?